Podcast Summary: "Crawling Got Cut—But It’s Still Critical - Here’s Why Ep 104"
Title: Crawling Got Cut—But It’s Still Critical - Here’s Why
Host: Erin Hyer
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Episode Number: 104
Podcast: Talking Toddlers
Introduction
In Episode 104 of Talking Toddlers, host Erin Hyer delves into the significance of crawling in a child's development, addressing recent changes in developmental milestone checklists and the broader implications for brain and motor skill development. Erin emphasizes the critical role of movement in early childhood and its lasting impact on various aspects of a child's growth.
Understanding Gross Motor Development
Erin begins by explaining gross motor development, which involves the large muscles controlling activities such as crawling, rolling, and walking. She clarifies that gross motor skills are not only about muscle strength but also about movement coordination that wires the brain for further development.
Erin Hyer [02:46]: "Gross Motor development isn't just about those muscles and their strength or their power. It's about moving the body so we can then wire the brain."
She underscores the importance of these movements in building neural connections, noting that babies are born with approximately 100 billion neurons that rapidly form synapses through movement and interaction with their environment.
The Importance of Crawling
Erin highlights crawling as a pivotal milestone that fosters interhemispheric communication via the corpus callosum, the bridge between the brain's hemispheres. Crawling enhances coordination, spatial awareness, visual tracking, and fine motor skills essential for later tasks like reading and writing.
Erin Hyer [12:11]: "Crawling supports early speech development... It literally lays the groundwork... for communication, for speech and language processing."
She explains that crawling involves cross-lateral movements, which are crucial for developing a strong corpus callosum, aiding in various cognitive and motor functions.
The Controversy Around Crawling as a Milestone
A significant portion of the episode addresses the recent decision by the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to remove crawling from their developmental milestone checklists in 2022. Erin criticizes this move, arguing that it diminishes the recognition of crawling's role in comprehensive brain development.
Erin Hyer [46:31]: "The CDC, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, updated... and they removed crawling from that checklist."
She contends that while not all children crawl, removing it from the checklist overlooks its critical benefits in neural wiring and motor planning, potentially masking underlying developmental issues.
Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Developmental Milestones
Erin explores how modern parenting practices and baby gear have inadvertently reduced opportunities for natural movement, leading to fewer crawling babies. She introduces the concept of "container baby syndrome," where excessive use of infant gadgets limits floor time and exploration.
Erin Hyer [51:21]: "They’re missing out on these natural opportunities to move, to stretch, to reach, to pull, to roll, and eventually crawl and walk."
She links this trend to increased motor delays, weaker core strength, and challenges in sensory integration, cautioning parents to prioritize intentional movement activities.
Practical Advice for Parents
Erin offers actionable strategies for parents to support their child's motor and brain development:
- Encourage Tummy Time: Essential for building neck and upper body strength, and for fostering speech development.
- Facilitate Rolling and Crawling: Create safe, open spaces for babies to explore movement.
- Promote Standing and Cruising: Support balance and core strength as children prepare to walk.
- Engage in Floor Play: Participate alongside toddlers to stimulate movement and communication.
- Limit Excessive Use of Baby Gear: Reduce time spent in bouncers, swings, and car seats to increase active exploration.
Erin Hyer [59:58]: "You're moving them forward. You want to guide them, you want to create the environments that facilitate their curiosity."
She also emphasizes the importance of early intervention and consulting with pediatric therapists if developmental concerns arise.
Conclusion
Erin wraps up the episode by reaffirming the indispensable role of crawling and gross motor milestones in a child's holistic development. She encourages parents to be proactive, trusting their instincts, and providing diverse movement opportunities to ensure their toddlers thrive both physically and cognitively.
Erin Hyer [60:05]: "Don't rush it. Know that moving active, inquisitive babies are really, really the key... You're the guide and you help them through these processes."
Erin also promotes her upcoming small group coaching program aimed at providing personalized support for parents seeking deeper guidance on their child's developmental journey.
Key Takeaways
- Crawling is crucial for brain development, interhemispheric communication, and foundational motor skills.
- Recent changes in developmental milestones may overlook critical aspects of a child's growth.
- Modern lifestyles and baby gear can impede natural movement, leading to developmental delays.
- Intentional movement activities and early intervention are essential for fostering healthy development.
- Parental involvement and creating environments that encourage exploration and movement significantly benefit toddlers.
Notable Quotes
- Erin Hyer [02:46]: "Gross Motor development isn't just about those muscles and their strength or their power. It's about moving the body so we can then wire the brain."
- Erin Hyer [12:11]: "Crawling supports early speech development... It literally lays the groundwork... for communication, for speech and language processing."
- Erin Hyer [46:31]: "The CDC, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, updated... and they removed crawling from that checklist."
- Erin Hyer [51:21]: "They’re missing out on these natural opportunities to move, to stretch, to reach, to pull, to roll, and eventually crawl and walk."
- Erin Hyer [59:58]: "You're moving them forward. You want to guide them, you want to create the environments that facilitate their curiosity."
- Erin Hyer [60:05]: "Don't rush it. Know that moving active, inquisitive babies are really, really the key... You're the guide and you help them through these processes."
Join Erin Hyer's Small Group Coaching:
For parents seeking personalized support, Erin invites you to join her small group coaching program starting mid-May. This program offers deeper insights and direct access to Erin for guidance on navigating your child's developmental milestones with confidence. [Join the waitlist through the show notes link.]
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